CANINSULIN/VETSULIN & HUMULIN N – FORUM REVIVAL?

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

An invitation for all Caninsulin/Vetsulin & Humulin N users, past and present!

There’s been quite an increase in the number of Caninsulin/Vetsulin (and also Humulin N) caregivers joining FDMB recently. And there are quite a lot of people here with previous or current experience of these insulins (Caninsulin/Vetsulin in particular). So this could be a great opportunity to try to revive the use of the Caninsulin/Vetsulin/and Humulin N Insulin Support Group (ISG).

Until recently there had been something of a lull in the number of folks using these insulins, and therefore it became necessary to suggest that caregivers posted their questions on the main health forum.
But, necessary as that was, it has also meant that C/V and N users have missed out on the opportunity to share experiences and information, and to get to know each other. This is a shame, because there is much to be learned, and much support to be had, by talking to others in the same situation.
And if folks do post in the C/V and N forum that will enable us to build and maintain a knowledge base that will help both current and future members. Everybody wins!

The suggestion is that all routine C/V and N matters could now be posted directly in the C/V/N forum; and questions can be answered/addressed there in exactly the same way that they would be on the main health forum.
Note: A number of members who regularly assist with C/V and N matters on the main health forum are aware of - and supportive of - the idea to revive the C/V/N forum.

There are also plans to update the information Stickies in the C/V/N forum. And there is a new thread where folks can post the details of kitties that have gone into remission on these insulins (this is encouraging for others to read, and also provides very useful information.)

Note: Emergencies would obviously still have to be posted in the main health forum and using the ‘911’ icon.
The main health forum is also a good place to get general advice on diet and home-testing, and to post questions on other health issues.

It would be great if C/V and N users had access to a thriving ISG in just the same way that users of other insulins do here.

Do please consider supporting this suggestion.

Link to C/V/N Insulin Support Group:
http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/forums/vetsulin-caninsulin-humulin-n.19/


Eliz

 

[Callie & Patches]

I'm all for it. I'm tired of feeling like a stepchild when people put down my Callie's insulin. Most of the people on the board are supportive, but some blame any problems we have on Vetsulin. It will be nice to have a friendly, supportive group

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

Thank you, Elizabeth and all those who are enthused about reviving this ISG!

C/V and N users have missed out on the opportunity to share experiences and information, and to get to know each other. This is a shame, because there is much to be learned, and much support to be had, by talking to others in the same situation.
And if folks do post in the C/V and N forum that will enable us to build and maintain a knowledge base that will help both current and future members. Everybody wins!

YES! YES! YES!
So much is lost when members post elsewhere... especially the knowledge base that will help future members.

I'm all for it. I'm tired of feeling like a stepchild when people put down my Callie's insulin. Most of the people on the board are supportive, but some blame any problems we have on Vetsulin. It will be nice to have a friendly, supportive group

I'm sorry you feel that way. How about if we see this as a new beginning... a new start where we can focus on the positives and leave the negatives and negative thinking behind!



Thank you very much Elizabeth et al!

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

This is most definitely needed with the constantly increasing number of Caninsulin/Vetsulin users, both old and new. Having these members back on the C/V ISG will give much needed support and a place to share with others using the same insulin. Since C/V acts differently than the longer acting insulins, a better support system can be built. and suggestions and advice geared especially for this type of insulin can be provided.

Unfortunately over time there has been a parroting of remarks about C/V that it is not a good insulin. The truth of the matter is that whatever insulin works for YOUR kitty is the right insulin. If there were just one insulin that worked for all kitties, ( or people for that matter) then there would not be the number of choices available for FD kitties.

 

[Diana&Tom]

Definitely a good move. It is unfortunate that some members with kitties on these insulins have felt isolated due to the *apparent* lack of support available, so I'm sure we can help both existing and new members in all sorts of ways by reviving this forum.
Yet another way in which this board goes from strength to strength!

Diana

 

[Alexi]

The forum could do with reviving, we have a lot of new members from the UK recently who only have the choice of 2 insulins and not that many vets have much experience with Prozinc yet so it still seems to be the starter insulin for many of them. It would help to form a community of caninsulin/vetsulin users as it is different to the longer acting insulins, but many members have used it successfully and have their cats in remission.

 

[Sootyca]

Until coming here I didn't even know that there were different types of insulin! Seems to be working for Sky so I'm happy so far. Will happily look in to the other forum.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I'm not a Vetsulin user but I completely agree that having a forum for people who use it and other similar insulins is very beneficial. No one should ever be made to feel they're doing the wrong thing by using a particular insulin because as Tuxedo Mom said above :

"The truth of the matter is that whatever insulin works for YOUR kitty is the right insulin."

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I would not label it Humulin N since it would also apply to Novolin N

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

I would not label it Humulin N since it would also apply to Novolin N

Good point. I had the same thought the other day.
N is insulin isophane. Humulin and Novolin are simply brand names. Since no one calls N by isophane, any suggestions? Rename the group "Caninsulin / Vetsulin / N (Isophane)"?

It's similar to the way Robert set up the L & L ISG: Lantus (Glargine) / Levemir (Detemir)

Suggestions?

 

[Lisa and Smoky]

I think that is a great idea! I have been encouraged on the main health forum by those members who use vetsulin as well as other insulin choices. It would be awesome if vetsulin members had a place of their own to chat about their issues or solutions they have found.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

I would just say N/NPH since my vials of Humulin and Novolin say both N and NPH. I would not add isophane since it unnecessary but yo can since the vials also include isophane. I would also not just say Caninsulin/Vetsulin/N/NPH since that could imply that there are four kinds of insulin or only one kindwhile there are only two. Caninsulin is same as Vetsulin but labeled differently in different counties but Caninsulin/Vetsulin is differnt than N/NPH. I would say Caninsulin/Vetsulin and N/NPH

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

I would say Caninsulin/Vetsulin and N/NPH

Makes sense. I like that for the reasons you've stated.
Thank you!

 

[Squalliesmom]

Rename the group "Caninsulin / Vetsulin / N (Isophane)"?

I like that idea.

EDIT: I like Larry's idea, too! N/NPH is probably even better!

 

[Julia Rae]

I like it as well as I had a heck of a time figuring out which of the groups Magellan belonged in. That is until I got him switched to lantus.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

BUMP

 

[CassAndGordy(GA)]

All for this!!!!

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Bump

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Thanks Elizabeth and Jill! I think this is WONDERFUL!!! Many of the people that show up on facebook are new sugarcat parents using NPH or Vetsulin. As I'd try to direct them to the right place and a quick 'what to expect', knowing this ISG wasn't very active, I'd have to remember that they'd likely just continue to post in Health. When in Health, they'd get beat up over their insulin choice driving many away. With this reactivated and more watching it, hopefully it will help resolve that issue!! I've tried to keep somewhat of an eye on it but I get tied up with other things and end up missing posts.

YARD DANCE!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

"When in Health, they'd get beat up over their insulin choice driving many away." This bothers me a lot.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

"When in Health, they'd get beat up over their insulin choice driving many away." This bothers me a lot.

Bothers me a lot too Kris - seems like the first thing out of anyone's mouth is a parrot of 'your insulin is crappy'. None of these are 'crappy' insulin! They have their place and they are REALLY good for someone starting down the FD road. They're forgiving, dosing can vary, there's no chasing a 'depot' and can shoot down higher numbers quicker. When the newer person gets their feet on the ground, understands FD a bit better, understands how their cat reacts THEN start exploring different ways of handling it.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Bothers me a lot too Kris - seems like the first thing out of anyone's mouth is a parrot of 'your insulin is crappy'. None of these are 'crappy' insulin! They have their place and they are REALLY good for someone starting down the FD road. They're forgiving, dosing can vary, there's no chasing a 'depot' and can shoot down higher numbers quicker. When the newer person gets their feet on the ground, understands FD a bit better, understands how their cat reacts THEN start exploring different ways of handling it.

I SO agree!!

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

Bothers me a lot too Kris - seems like the first thing out of anyone's mouth is a parrot of 'your insulin is crappy'.

Exactly as I said in an earlier post...the "saying" Caninsulin/Vetsulin or Humulin N/ Novolin N are all "bad" insulins gets parroted far too often without even understanding how it works. It is stressful enough for a newer member who is trying to understand FD and all that is involved, without being told their insulin is crap. In the UK and some other places with the cascade system Caninsulin is usually the first insulin prescribed.

To repeat my comment from earlier:

"Unfortunately over time there has been a parroting of remarks about C/V that it is not a good insulin. The truth of the matter is that whatever insulin works for YOUR kitty is the right insulin. If there were just one insulin that worked for all kitties, ( or people for that matter) then there would not be the number of choices available for FD kitties."

That is one of the reasons that Elizabeth and Jill and some others in the background have decided to try to revive the C/V and H/N ISG so that people using these insulins have the proper support and information they need. The sooner the better!!

 

[Callie & Patches]

We need to watch the Introduction forum and steer new people here right away.

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

We need to watch the Introduction forum and steer new people here right away.

That and anyone else on the forum needs to be aware that the C/V ISG is now more active so they can steer people who post initially in the Health Section. For such a long time people have been advised to post in Health if they use C/V because it USED to be a quiet ISG...word needs to get out that it is being resurrected.

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

We need to watch the Introduction forum and steer new people here right away.

I believe we do need to be careful and not remove them from Health too quickly - they need to get their feet on the ground about the whole FD dance, food, spreadsheet, testing, handling issues, etc. We don't steer the others to their ISG immediately if they arrive already using one of the other insulins.

It's a matter of changing the tune of the 'parrot' in Health. We all need to be diligent in helping others learn differently. I started off on NPH with KT, later changed to Lantus...then back to NPH then to Levemir.

This is all just my opinions guys, that and $2 would buy a cup of coffee... Dang...used to be a quarter...

 

[Tuxedo Mom]

I believe we do need to be careful and not remove them from Health too quickly - they need to get their feet on the ground about the whole FD dance, food, spreadsheet, testing, handling issues, etc. We don't steer the others to their ISG immediately if they arrive already using one of the other insulins.

It's a matter of changing the tune of the 'parrot' in Health. We all need to be diligent in helping others learn differently. I started off on NPH with KT, later changed to Lantus...then back to NPH then to Levemir.

This is all just my opinions guys, that and $2 would buy a cup of coffee... Dang...used to be a quarter...

The hopes are that once the update for C/V and H/N are done this sort of information about S/S, testing, food and all the other basic will be available on the C/V H/N ISG. To start with Health is fine but once a member is oriented (and the update is done) then steering them to the ISG that suits their insulin is a good idea. Whatever is needed to get people more settled when they first arrive on FDMB is always the best approach.

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

I believe we do need to be careful and not remove them from Health too quickly - they need to get their feet on the ground about the whole FD dance, food, spreadsheet, testing, handling issues, etc. We don't steer the others to their ISG immediately if they arrive already using one of the other insulins.

I agree. Please, let's not rush anyone into any ISG. Historically, Health has been the place for new members to learn the basic fundamentals of the sugar dance (it takes a village) and the ISGs are all about that particular insulin... focusing on the insulin type and how a kitty responds.

It's a matter of changing the tune of the 'parrot' in Health.

YES! I like how that's worded!
Let's work on changing the tune of the "parrot", rather than immediately rushing new members into an ISG.

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Bump...

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Bump...

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

bump

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Bumpity bump....

 

[Elizabeth and Bertie]

Bump...